Can Iron Chariots Limit Divine Power?
In this article, you will learn how Judges 1:19 contradicts Joshua 17:18, Deuteronomy 20:1, Isaiah 31:1, Exodus 14:27-28 and 2 Kings 6:16-17. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible contains some intriguing narratives that seem to convey conflicting messages regarding God's ability to help His people overcome adversaries with iron chariots. A closer look at these stories may lead one to wonder about the implications for faith and divine intervention.
In Judges 1:19, we read about how the Lord was with Judah, aiding their victories. However, they couldn't drive out the inhabitants of the valley because these inhabitants had iron chariots. This narrative suggests that the presence of iron chariots posed a significant challenge even with divine support.
Contrasting this account, several other verses seem to say otherwise. Joshua 17:18 depicts a scenario where the Israelites are told they'll drive out the Canaanites with iron chariots, showing no obstacle is too great with God's help. Similarly, Deuteronomy 20:1 reassures Israel of victory over enemies with horses and chariots because the Lord is with them. One could compare this to a sports team with an unbeatable star player—if the team is supported by the best, victory seems assured despite formidable opponents.
Isaiah 31:1 warns against relying on chariots and horses for strength instead of trusting God's power, a clear directive that divine power surpasses any physical or mechanical might. It mirrors the Exodus 14:27-28 tale, where God enables the Israelites to safely pass through the Red Sea while destroying the Egyptian chariots. Additionally, in 2 Kings 6:16-17, Elisha is assured of divine help against a formidable enemy force, contrasting the limitation implied in Judges 1:19.
These narratives raise fascinating questions about the nature of divine intervention and faith. Why did the presence of iron chariots present such a barrier in Judges, while other accounts emphasize their insignificance in the face of divine power? Such contradictions invite deeper reflection on the complexities of faith and miracles in the scripture.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 1:19 | And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out [the inhabitants of] the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron. [drave...: or, possessed the mountain] |
| 2. | Joshua 17:18 | But the mountain shall be thine; for it [is] a wood, and thou shalt cut it down: and the outgoings of it shall be thine: for thou shalt drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, [and] though they [be] strong. |
| 3. | Deuteronomy 20:1 | When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. |
| 4. | Isaiah 31:1 | Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because [they are] many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD! |
| 5. | Exodus 14:27-28 | And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. [overthrew: Heb. shook off] |
| 6. | 2 Kings 6:16-17 | And he answered, Fear not: for they that [be] with us [are] more than they that [be] with them. |